Han Dong-hoon, Minister of Justice, visited Daegu and was warmly welcomed by the citizens. Minister Han responded by saying, "It is clear that the general election is important to the lives of the people," raising speculation about his possible candidacy in next year's general election.
On the 17th, Minister Han visited the Daegu Smile Center located in Suseong-gu, Daegu, to check on support measures for psychological assistance to crime victims and other efforts for daily life recovery. Afterwards, he listened to the needs for improvement and difficulties in victim support. Officials from related organizations, including Noh Jeong-yeon, Chief Prosecutor of Daegu High Prosecutors' Office, and Oh Soon-taek, Chairman of the Daegu-Gyeongbuk Crime Victim Support Center, also attended the event.
In front of the Daegu Smile Center, Minister Han said, "I respect the citizens of Daegu. First, the citizens of Daegu never once surrendered this city to the enemy during the devastating Korean War. They are the people who fought to the end and won for freedom and democracy." He added, "Second, after the war ruins, they truly initiated industrialization for the first time and won the industrial competition against other countries." Regarding the possibility of running in the general election, Minister Han replied, "There can be many opinions."
Minister Han also visited the Dalseong-gun industrial complex, where former President Park Geun-hye's residence is located. About the day's schedule, he said, "It was a routine visit related to foreigners and victim policies that had been planned for a long time."
However, some within the ruling party speculate that Minister Han's visit to Daegu might be preparation for running in the general election. President Yoon Suk-yeol visited Daegu in March 2021 in opposition to the then-Democratic Party's push for 'Geomsu Wanbak' (complete removal of prosecutorial investigative powers). Afterward, President Yoon resigned from his position as Prosecutor General.
The citizens of Daegu enthusiastically welcomed Minister Han's visit. In front of the Daegu Smile Center, citizens requested handshakes, photos, and autographs, to which Minister Han responded. Daegu citizens shouted, "Han Dong-hoon fighting!" and "Please come to Daegu often," and presented bouquets. Even after the official schedule ended, while waiting for a train at Dongdaegu Station, many citizens gathered asking for photos, leading Minister Han to cancel his ticket and spend about three hours taking pictures.
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